The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) will discuss the future plans of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli after the completion of the upcoming three one-day internationals against South Africa. The two legends only play the ODI format with perhaps only one goal in mind – the ICC Men’s ODI World Cup 2027.
However, the mega 50-over event is still 22 months away, and that is a huge period. At 37 and 39, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have nothing to prove. However, they are no longer in their peak, and how the management looks at them going forward will be crucial. As per the Times of India, head coach Gautam Gambhir and chief selector Ajit Agarkar will be sitting down for a meeting with Rohit and Kohli next week.
Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli for ODI World Cup – Yes or No?
The discussion is expected to revolve around workload management, role clarity, expectations, form, and availability outside international cricket. “It is very important that players of Rohit and Kohli’s stature are given clarity about what is expected of them and how the current management views their roles. They can’t just be playing with uncertainty,” a BCCI source said.
The discussion is expected to revolve around workload management, role clarity, expectations, form, and availability outside international cricket. There is also talk of identifying backup options in case either player is unavailable closer to the World Cup.
It is fascinating and vital, as the duo haven’t had official discussions about their future. Previously, Ajit Agarkar revealed that both Rohit and Kohli are non-committal over playing the ODI World Cup 2027. However, it didn’t make sense as to why Rohit would work extremely hard on his fitness and not aim to extend his career till the World Cup in Africa.
“They did score runs in the third ODI in Australia. But the series was already lost and the match was set up by the bowlers in the first innings. They looked rusty in the first two matches. One can’t afford that in every series,” a source said to TOI. The management also wants Rohit to continue playing the fearless attacking cricket that defined his approach through the Champions Trophy under his own leadership. In Australia, he looked more cautious than usual, taking longer to settle.
However, that you can obviously expect from a player who is playing an international fixture after so many months. The expectation is that both senior batters set the tempo to ease pressure on younger teammates. India’s next ODI assignment after the South Africa series is a home series against New Zealand in January, followed by a long gap until July, when India play in England. Fascinatingly, both stars are expected to feature in the Vijay Hazare Trophy to ensure adequate match practice.
Rohit Sharma & Virat Kohli’s (potential) schedule this season
| Series | Matches | Dates |
|---|---|---|
| India vs South Africa | 3 | November 30 to December 6 |
| Vijay Hazare Trophy | 7 | December 24 to January 8 |
| India vs New Zealand | 3 | January 11 to January 18 |
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